Borough of Old Tappan, NJ Article I Administration

[Adopted 5-26-1975 as Sec. 11-1 of the 1975 Code, as amended through Ord. No. 638-98]

§ 100-1 Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency.

A. Establishment; chief administrator. There is hereby established in the Borough a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency of the Borough of Old Tappan," consisting of a construction code official, building subcode official, plumbing subcode official, electrical subcode official, fire protection subcode official and such other subcode officials for such additional subcodes as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, shall hereafter adopt as part of the State Uniform Construction Code. The construction code official shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing agency.

B. Official positions. Each official position created in Subsection A above shall be filled by a person qualified for such position pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq., as amended, and N.J.A.C. 5:23, provided that, in lieu of any particular subcode official, an on-site inspection agency may be retained by contract pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23. More than one such official position may be held by the same person, provided that such person is qualified pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23 to hold each such position.

C. Public business at one location. The public shall have the right to do business with the enforcing agency at one office location, except for emergencies and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.

§ 100-2 (Reserved) [1]

[1] Editor's Note: Former § 100-2, Construction Board of Appeals, was repealed 3-19-2007 by Ord. No. 935-07.

§ 100-3 Permit fees.

[Amended 7-16-2001 by Ord. No. 758-01; 6-16-2003 by Ord. No. 824-03; 8-16-2004 by Ord. No. 852-04; 5-16-2005 by Ord. No. 883-05; 12-19-2005 by Ord. No. 900-05; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 997-09; 9-19-2011 by Ord. No. 1037-11; 7-20-2015 by Ord. No. 1082-15; 12-7-2020 by Ord. No. 1173-20; 9-7-2021 by Ord. No. 1190-21]

A. Construction permit. The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of all subcode fees as set forth in Subsection A(1) through (15) below and shall include the required plan review fee set forth herein in Subsection B hereof and the required certificate fee set forth in Subsection C hereof, and the New Jersey training surcharge fee as set forth in § 100-5. The minimum construction permit fee for any subcode or combination of subcode shall be as indicated below.

(1) For new construction, all use groups (based on cubic footage): $0.07 per cubic foot, with minimum fee of $950.

(a) All work associated with modular construction: $30 per $1,000.

(2) State fees: $0.00371 per cubic foot; $1.90 per $1,000 of value of construction.

(3) Renovations, alterations, repairs, minor work:

(a) Twenty-five dollars per $1,000 cost (or fraction thereof).

(b) Minimum fee: $65.

(4) Certificates of occupancy fees.

(a) Residential: 10% of permit fee, minimum: $100.

(b) Nonresidential: 15% of permit fee, minimum: $250.

(c) Change of use: $200.

(d) Certificate of continued occupancy: $100.

(e) TCO: $100 first 30 days; $75 each additional 30 days.

(5) Variations.

(a) Residential: $100.

(b) Nonresidential: $250.

(6) Swimming pools.

(a) Aboveground: $100.

(b) In-ground: $25 per $1,000 of cost of construction. Borough Engineering plan review, soil-moving application review and inspection of elevations fee: $1,000 escrow deposit and soil-moving permit fee calculated as $0.30 per cubic yards of soil with a minimum fee of $100.

(c) Pool barrier fence: $25 per $1,000 or fraction thereof of the estimated cost of the work, provided that the minimum fee shall be $85 for use groups R-3 and R-5 and minimum fee for all other use groups shall be $125.

(7) Demolition.

(a) Residential: $150.

(b) Nonresidential: $500.

(c) Structural tower: $200.

(d) Accessory to R-3/R-5: $40.

(8) Signs.

(a) Awning signs: $150.

(b) Freestanding sign: $225.

(c) Other than freestanding sign: $100.

(9) Asbestos and/or lead abatement.

(a) Asbestos abatement: $150.

(b) Lead abatement: $250.

(c) Asbestos certificate: $100.

(d) Lead ccl: $75.

(10) Plumbing subcode fees.

(a) Fixtures, which include the following (this is not an all-inclusive list):

[1] Water closet/bidet/urinal: $25 each.

[2] Bathtubs: $25 each.

[3] Lavatory/sink: $25 each.

[4] Shower/floor drain: $25 each.

[5] Washing machine: $25 each.

[6] Dishwasher - residential: $50 each.

[7] Dishwasher - commercial: $100 each.

[8] Water heater, all fuels (residential), new install otherwise mechanical: $100 each.

[9] Water heater (commercial) all fuels new and replacement: $150 each.

[10] Hose bibs: $30 each.

[11] Water cooler: $30 each.

[12] Garbage disposal: $30 each.

[13] Indirect connection: $30 each.

[14] Stacks: $40 each.

[15] Drinking fountain: $25 each.

[16] 

Gas piping - residential:

i. First appliance: $75 each.

ii. Every appliance after that: $30 each.

[17] 

Gas piping - commercial:

i. First appliance: $150 each.

ii. Every appliance after that: $40 each.

(b) Special devices.

[1] Grease trap: $100 each.

[2] Oil separators: $100 each.

[3] Water-cooled air conditioners: $100 each.

[4] Refrigeration units: $75 each.

[5] Water service connection: $100 each.

[6] Sewer service connection: $100 each.

[7] Backflow preventer (residential): $75 each.

[8] Backflow preventer (commercial): $100 each.

[9] Hot water boiler/steam boiler (residential) new install otherwise, mechanical: $100 each.

[10] Hot water boiler/steam boiler (commercial) new and replacement: $175 each.

[11] (Deleted)

[12] Gas connection (per connection): $50 each.

[13] Active solar systems: $50 each.

[14] Sewer pump - residential: $75 each.

[15] Sewer pump - commercial/industrial: $125 each.

[16] Interceptors - residential: $75 each.

[17] Interceptors - commercial/industrial: $125 each.

[18] Fuel oil piping: $100 each.

[19] Medical gas piping (per station): $100 each.

[20] Condensate lines: $50 each.

[21] Storm drain line systems, new lines: $75 each.

[22] AC condensate drains, condenser and air handler new system only (new house) otherwise, mechanical: $75 each.

[23] Commercial HVAC systems including RTU systems: $150 each.

[24] Heating and colling equipment such as ground source, heat pump systems, heat pumps, solar thermal systems but not limited to these systems: $125 each.

[25] LP tank: $50 each.

[26] Water softener and filtering equipment: $75 each.

[27] Sump pump and pits (new only): $75 each.

[28] In-ground pool/main drains: $100 each.

[29] Aboveground pool: $75 each.

[30] Pool heaters: $100 each.

[31] Hydronic and radiant heat piping: $100 each.

[32] Septic tank abandonment: $100 each.

[33] Ice maker (residential): $25 each.

[34] Ice maker (commercial): $100 each.

(c) Minimum fees. These fees shall be in addition to the fees which are set forth in the subsections of this section for the specific work proposed.

[1] Minimum plumbing fee, residential: $80.

[2] Minimum plumbing fee, commercial: $150.

(11) Electrical subcode fees.

(a) Electrical fixtures and devices.

[1] Switching, lighting outlets.

[a] Receptacles, one to 25: $65.

[b] Each additional 25 outlets: $50.

(b) Electrical devices/generators/transformers.

[1] Two KW to 10 KW: $30 each.

[2] Over 10 KW and less than or equal to 45 KW: $90 each.

[3] Over 45 KW and less than or equal to 112.5 KW: $250 each.

[4] Over 112.5 KW: $500 each.

(c) Motors.

[1] Two hp up to 10 hp: $25 each.

[2] Over 10 hp and less than or equal to 50 hp: $75 each.

[3] Over 50 hp and less than or equal to 100 hp: $100 each.

[4] Over 100 hp: $500 each.

(d) Service panel/service entrance subpanels.

[1] Less than or equal to 200 amps: $100.

[2] Greater than 200 amps and less than or equal to 1,000 amps: $250.

[3] Greater than 1,000 amps: $750.

[4] Swimming pool pool/patio bonding: $100.

[5] Swimming pool lights: $50.

[6] Minimum fee: $90.

(e) Air-conditioning units (disconnect, compress/condenser and air handler: $60 each.

(f) Hydromassage tub (interior whirlpool tub/spa): $50.

(g) Hot tub or spa (exterior): $125.

(12) Fire protection fees.

(a) Sprinklers.

[1] One to 20 heads: $100.

[2] Twenty-one to 100 heads: $200.

[3] One hundred one to 200 heads: $300.

[4] Two hundred one to 400 heads: $600.

[5] Four hundred one to 1,000 heads: $750.

[6] Over 1,000 heads: $900.

(b) Heat/smoke detectors.

[1] One to 12 detectors: $125.

[2] Each additional five: $35.

(c) Each standpipe: $300.

(d) Each independent preengineered system: $150.

(e) Each kitchen exhaust system: $100.

(f) Each gas- or oil-fired appliance: $75.

(g) Hot-tar kettle roof: $75.

(h) Fireplace/wood stoves: $75 each.

(i) Emergency lights/exit signs: $10 each.

(j) Minimum fee: $80.

(k) Fire main:

[1] Pipes up to four inches: $250.

[2] Pipes over four inches: $400.

(l) Fire alarm panel installation: $250.

(m) Radio/cellular communicator: $100.

(n) Automatic fire alarm system.

[1] One to 10 devices: $150.

[2] Eleven to 50 devices: $250.

[3] Fifty-one to 100 devices: $350.

[4] One hundred one to 200 devices: $450.

[5] Two hundred one to 400 devices: $550.

[6] Four hundred one to 1,000 devices: $650.

[7] Over 1,000 devices: $850.

(o) Fuel storage equipment and tanks: installation, removal, or abandonment:

[1] Tanks under 1,001 gallons: $150.

[2] Tanks over 1,001 gallons: $300.

(p) Active solar system installation. The fee shall be $200 for use groups R-3 and R-5 and all other groups: $400.

(q) Penalty for failure to obtain a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance: $150.

(13) Elevator fees.

(a) Each elevator installed: $260.

(b) Elevators, escalators and moving walks requiring reinspections every six months: $65.

(c) Dumbwaiters requiring reinspections every 12 months: $50.

(d) Five-year inspections and witnessing of text on elevators: $175.

(14) Storage tanks/installation/removal.

(a) Capacity up to 2,000 gallons: $100.

(b) Two thousand and over: $500.

(15) Mechanical fees.

(a) Mechanical fee is for R-3,-R-5 only; minimum fee: $100.

(b) Replacement of heating and cooling equip such as ground source, heat pump systems, heat pumps, solar: $150.

(c) Furnace central: direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling R-3, R-5: $125.

(d) Boiler central, all fuels. Direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling R-3, R-5, includes backflow: $150.

(e) Gas piping. Direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5.

[1] First appliance: $75.

[2] Every appliance after that: $30.

(f) Condensing unit, AC units and mini splits, direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5.

[1] First unit: $150.

[2] Every unit after that: $75.

(g) Water heater - all fuel direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling R-3, R-5.

[1] First heater: $100.

[2] Every heater after that: $50.

(h) Oil piping-direct replacement, new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $100.

(i) Heating venting system, chimney liners, direct replacement, new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $125.

(j) Duct system - new installation existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $100.

(k) Gas fireplace logs and decorative fireplaces/direct replacement new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $100.

(l) Generator - direct replacement/new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5, includes gas piping: $150.

(m) Pool heaters - direct replacement, new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $100.

(n) Refrigeration systems - direct replacement, new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $75.

(o) LP tank direct replacement, new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $75.

(p) Hydronic and radiant heat piping/new installation, existing dwelling, R-3, R-5: $100.

(16) Items not covered: Any items not covered in the above fee schedule shall be charged as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20 of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

(17) Miscellaneous construction fees.

(a) Change of contractor: $85 for each change of contractor technical subcode.

(b) Fence installation: $60 for use groups R-3 and R-5, and all other use groups, $150.

(c) Curb, apron and sidewalks installation: $50 each for use groups R-3 and R-5.

(d) Driveway installation or resurfacing: $60 for use groups R-3 and R-5.

(e) The fee for not obtaining a Borough permit prior to the start of work shall be double the permit fee.

B. The plan review fees, by outside agency, shall be 20% of the amount to be charged for a construction permit. Plan review fees are not refundable.

C. Certificate fee schedule shall be:

(1) Certificate of occupancy (C.O.) indicating that construction authorized by a construction permit is completed in accordance with the approved plans and the Uniform Construction Code regulations. Prepayment at time of issuing the construction permit is required, and the fee shall be 10% of the total cost of the construction permit, provided that the minimum C.O. fees shall be $100.

(2) Initial temporary certificate of occupancy (T.C.0.): N/C.

(3) Additional certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy: $100 each.

(4) Certificate of continued occupancy (C.C.O.):

(a) Residential: $50 if the C.C.O. inspection is scheduled 10 or more days prior to the anticipated closing date.

(b) Commercial: $100 if the C.C.O. inspection is scheduled 10 or more days prior to the anticipated closing date.

(c) In addition to the fees set forth in this subsection for a C.C.O., there shall be an additional fee of $25 if the C.C.O. inspection is scheduled more than four days but less than 10 days prior to the anticipated closing date, or an additional fee of $100 if the C.C.O. inspection is scheduled less than four days prior to the anticipated closing date.

(5) Certificate of approval which is required for the following equipment: elevator, moving stairway, mechanical equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning or ventilating apparatus, plumbing, gas piping, electrical wiring, heating systems, or other equipment specifically controlled by the New Jersey Administrative Code. Prepayment is required at time of issuance: $25.

(6) Letter of certification which is the end result of an inspection process either confirming or denying in whole or part any provision of the Uniform Construction Code: $20.

(7) Zoning permit application fee: $40.

D. Reinstatement of a lapsed construction permit shall be as follows:

(1) Recalculation of the construction permit shall be required utilizing the most current fee schedule applied to all work which is to be performed.

(2) The reinstatement fee shall be 20% of the recalculated value of all work which is to be performed.

(3) There shall be a minimum reinstatement fee of $20.

E. Annual construction permit. The fee for an annual construction permit shall be paid annually. This fee shall be based on the assessed property value of the facility. The fee shall be in the amount of $1 per $10,000 of assessed property value with a minimum permit fee of $100 and a maximum permit fee of $1,000. An annual construction permit shall become null and void on its anniversary date, one year after issuance.

F. Cash bond for renovations, alterations, or repairs. The Construction Code Official shall collect a cash bond in all cases where renovations, alterations or repairs are made to existing structures and in the case of additions to existing structures. The cash bond shall be in the amount of $500 for renovations, alterations, repairs, or additions which cost, in the estimation of the Construction Code Official, shall equal or exceed $5,000. The cash bond shall be in the amount of $200 for renovations, alterations, repairs, or additions which cost, in the estimation of the Construction Code Official, shall be less than $5,000. Upon the completion of such renovations, alterations, repairs or additions, and the Construction Code Official and the appropriate subcode officials having inspected the same and found them to be satisfactory, the cash bond, without interest, shall be returned to the applicant.

G. Cash bond for new construction; exception. The Construction Code Official shall collect a cash bond in all cases where an applicant requests a permit for a new construction. The cash bond shall be in the amount of $500 for new construction which cost, in the estimation of the Construction Code Official, shall equal or exceed $5,000. The cash bond shall be in the amount of $200 for new construction which cost, in the estimation of the Construction Code Official, shall be less than $5,000. The applicant shall, during the course of such construction, regularly clean up all debris and dirt from the streets, sidewalks and curbing abutting the property for which the construction permit was issued. Upon the completion of such new construction, and the Construction Code Official and the appropriate subcode officials having inspected the same and found it to be satisfactory and the Construction Code Official and appropriate subcode officials having also determined that any and all damages to the streets, sidewalks and curbing abutting the property for which the permit was issued have been repaired and all debris and dirt deposited thereon have been properly cleaned, the cash bond, without interest, shall be returned to the applicant. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the developer who has executed a developer's agreement pursuant to Chapter 218, Subdivision and Site Plan Review, Article IX, and who has posted performance guarantees pursuant to Chapter 218, Article VIII, of this Code.

H. Additional administrative fee. In addition to the foregoing fees, there shall be an additional fee for the following permits and certificates:

(1) Building subcode permit: $10.

(2) Electrical subcode permit: $10.

(3) Plumbing subcode permit: $10.

(4) Fire protection subcode permit: $10.

(5) Certificate of occupancy: $20.

§ 100-4 Biannual report recommending fee schedule.

The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council biannually a report recommending a fee schedule based on the operating expenses of the agency and other expenses of the municipality fairly attributable to the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code Act.

§ 100-5 Surcharge fee.

In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support programs required by the Uniform Construction Code Act and regulations, the enforcing agency shall collect in addition to the fees specified hereinbefore, a surcharge fee of $0.0006 per cubic foot of volume of new construction and additions. Such surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30, and not later than one month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, such fees shall be collected and remitted for the third and fourth quarters only.

§ 100-6 Report to Bureau of Housing Inspection.

The enforcing agency shall report annually at the end of each fiscal year to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, and not later than July 31, the total amount of the surcharge fee collected in the fiscal year. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, such report shall be for the third and fourth quarters only.

§ 100-7 Biannual report evaluating fire limits.

The construction code official shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council biannually a report evaluating the delineation of the fire limits to be established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23. This report shall indicate the recommendations of the construction code official, the building subcode official and the fire subcode official regarding those areas which should be designated as within fire limits, with the reasons therefor.

§ 100-8 Waiver of fees for construction promoting accessibility for disabled persons.

No person shall be charged a construction permit surcharge fee or enforcing agency fee for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement designed and undertaken solely to promote accessibility by disabled persons to an existing public or private structure or any of the facilities contained therein.